Imaging forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus capable of receiving a raster image from an image processing controller includes: a transmitting unit transmitting device information of the image forming apparatus to an external device via the image processing controller; a determining unit determining whether the image processing controller is in a first power condition or in a second power condition consuming lower power than the first power condition; and a control unit allowing the transmitting unit to transmit the device information to the external device in a case where the determining unit determines that the image processing controller is in the first power condition, and in a case where the determining unit determines that the image processing controller is in the second power condition, restrict the transmitting unit to transmit the device information to the external device until the image processing controller returns to the first power condition from the second power condition.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates to control of an image forming systemwhich processes images by collaborative operation of an image processingdevice and an image processing controller.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, the demand for realizing power saving of devices, including animage forming apparatus, is increasing. For meeting this demand, therehas been proposed a technology which shifts the power condition of animage forming apparatus to a power saving condition when the imageforming apparatus is not operated for a certain period or in othersituations (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-2500).According to this image forming apparatus, the power condition of theimage forming apparatus shifts to the power saving condition after anelapse of a certain period from the end of a printing process performedby a printer unit and a scanner process performed by a scanner unit, orafter an elapse of a certain period from the end of communication withan external device.

There is a type of this image forming apparatus which connects with animage processing controller capable of performing image processing incooperation with the image forming apparatus. This image processingcontroller also shifts to the power saving condition when no printingdata is processed for a certain period, or when no other informationprocessing device on a network accesses the image processing controller.

However, the following problems arise from this conventional system. Theimage forming apparatus connects with a network with the imageprocessing controller interposed between the image forming apparatus andthe network. According to this structure, transmission of informationfrom the image forming apparatus to the outside under the power savingcondition of the image processing controller is allowed only after theimage processing controller is restored from the power saving condition.In this case, the image processing controller needs to be restored fromthe power saving condition for every transmission to the outside evenwhen immediate transmission is not required. Therefore, improvement isstill needed for this type of image forming apparatus in view of powersaving and durability of devices.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a mechanism capable ofachieving energy saving by reducing the number of times of restorationof an image processing controller from a power saving condition, whichcontroller functions as a data relay from an image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus, capable of receiving a raster image from animage processing controller which generates the raster image, includes:a transmitting unit configured to transmit device information of theimage forming apparatus to an external device via the image processingcontroller; a determining unit configured to determine whether the imageprocessing controller is in a first power condition or in a second powercondition which consumes lower power than the first power condition; anda control unit configured to allow the transmitting unit to transmit thedevice information to the external device in a case where thedetermining unit determines that the image processing controller is inthe first power condition, and configured to restrict the transmittingunit to transmit the device information to the external device until theimage processing controller returns to the first power condition fromthe second power condition in a case where the determining unitdetermines that the image processing controller is in the second powercondition.

Further features will become apparent from the following description ofexemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the general structure of an imageforming system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the hardware structures of an imageforming apparatus and an image processing controller.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a power source circuit of the imageforming apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the hardware structure of a networkI/F.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the software structure of the imageprocessing controller.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of transition of the power condition ofthe image processing controller and the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a device statusinformation transmitting operation performed by the image formingapparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an e-mail receivingoperation performed by the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an externaltransmission job operation performed by the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a maximum transmission job holdingperiod setting window of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a SEND job transmission confirmationwindow of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation performed bythe image processing controller in a power saving condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are hereinafter described in detail with referenceto the drawings.

<General Structure of Image Forming System>

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the general structure of an imageforming system according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1illustrates an image forming system (image processing system) 100. Theimage forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus (firstimage processing apparatus) 103, and an image processing controller(second image processing apparatus) 102.

The image forming system 100 connects with a client computer 101 in sucha condition as to be communicative with the client computer 101. Theclient computer 101 and the image processing controller 102 connect witheach other via a LAN 113 in such a condition as to be communicative witheach other. The image processing controller 102 and the image formingapparatus 103 connect with each other via a control cable 111 and animage video cable 112.

According to this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 does notdirectly connect with the LAN 113. In other words, the image formingapparatus 103 and the client computer 101 communicate with each otherwith the image processing controller 102 interposed between the imageforming apparatus 103 and the client computer 101. However, the imageforming apparatus 103 may connect with the LAN 113. In other words, theimage forming apparatus 103 may directly connect with the clientcomputer 101 in such a condition as to be communicative with the clientcomputer 101.

The client computer 101 starts an application and issues printinginstructions and others to the image forming apparatus 103. The imageprocessing controller 102 performs image processing in cooperation withthe image forming apparatus 103. The image forming apparatus 103 is anMFP (Multiple Function Peripheral). The image forming apparatus 103includes a scanner unit 104, an operation unit 105, an MFP controller106, a printer unit (printer engine) 107, a facsimile unit 108, an ICcard reader 109, and a finisher 110. A server 114 is a server whichcollects and manages device condition information about the imageforming apparatus 103.

<Structure of Image Forming System>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardwarestructures of the image forming apparatus 103 and the image processingcontroller 102.

The scanner unit 104 of the image forming apparatus 103 reads amanuscript and inputs image data. The operation unit 105 has varioustypes of keys and a panel. The operation unit 105 receives various typesof instructions from a user by way of the various keys. The operationunit 105 displays various types of information on the panel. The MFPcontroller 106 controls the foregoing scanner unit 104, printer unit 107and other components. The MFP controller 106 will be detailed later.

The printer unit 107 performs printing on a sheet based on image data.The facsimile unit 108 connects with a not-illustrated telephone line,and performs input/output processing of facsimile via the telephone lineor others. The IC card reader 109 reads information from an IC cardindicating identification of a user. The finisher 110 receives the sheetcontaining an image formed by the printer unit 107, and performs variousprocesses such as sheet discharging, sorting, stapling, punching, andcutting for the received sheet.

The image forming apparatus 103 thus constructed performs the followingfunctions.

[COPY Function]

A COPY function records image data of a manuscript read by the scannerunit 104 on an HDD 211 contained in the MFP controller 106, and allowsthe printer unit 107 to perform printing of recorded image data on asheet.

[SEND Function]

A SEND function transmits image data of a manuscript read by the scannerunit 104 to the client computer 101 via a network.

[BOX Function]

A BOX function records image data of a manuscript read by the scannerunit 104 on the HDD 211 contained in the MFP controller 106. Moreover,the BOX function stores image data transmitted from the client computer101 in the HDD 211 contained in the MFP controller 106.

[PRINT Function]

A PRINT function allows the printer unit 107 to interpret PDL (pagedescription language) data transmitted from the client computer 101, andprint the data.

<Details of MFP Controller of Image Processing Apparatus>

The MFP controller 106 of the image forming apparatus 103 is nowdetailed with reference to FIG. 2.

The MFP controller 106 includes a CPU 208, a memory 209, a network I/F210, the HDD 211, an engine I/F 212, a video I/F 213, a reader I/F 215,a facsimile I/F 216, and a power source control unit 217.

The CPU 208 implements programs stored in a memory unit (memory 209 andHDD 211) to control the respective parts of the image forming apparatus103 via a system bus 214 and perform calculations. The memory 209functions as a work memory of the CPU 208. The network I/F 210 transmitsand receives control commands to and from the image processingcontroller 102 via the control cable 111.

The HDD 211 is a large-capacity memory unit, and stores various types ofcontrol programs performed by the CPU 208 and image data. A memory unitother than the HDD, such as SSD (Solid State Drive), may be equipped.

The engine I/F 212 transmits and receives control commands to and fromthe printer unit 107. The video I/F 213 transmits and receives imagedata to and from the image processing controller 102 via the image videocable 112. The reader I/F 215 transmits and receives control commands toand from the scanner unit 104 and the operation unit 105. The facsimileI/F 216 connects with the facsimile unit 108. The power source controlunit 217 controls power supply to the respective parts of the imageforming apparatus 103.

<Details of Image Processing Controller>

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing controller 102 includes aCPU 201, a memory 202, an HDD 203, network I/Fs 204 and 205, and a videoI/F 206.

The CPU 201 implements programs stored in the memory unit (memory 202and HDD 203) to control the respective parts of the image processingcontroller 102 via a system bus 207 and perform calculations. The memory202 functions as a work memory of the CPU 201.

The HDD 203 is a large-capacity memory unit, and stores various types ofcontrol programs implemented by the CPU 201, and image data. A memoryunit other than the HDD, such as SSD (Solid State Drive), may beequipped.

The network I/F 204 communicates with other devices including the clientcomputer 101 via the LAN 113. The network I/F 205 transmits and receivescontrol commands to and from the image forming apparatus 103 via thecontrol cable 111. The video I/F 206 transmits and receives image datato and from the image forming apparatus 103 via the image video cable112.

<Power Source Circuit Diagram of Image Forming Apparatus>

The power source structure of the image forming apparatus 103 is nowdescribed with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a power source circuit of the imageforming apparatus 103.

The image forming apparatus 103 includes a small-capacity first powersource unit 251, and a large-capacity second power source unit 252. Thefirst power source unit 251 converts alternate current power sourcesupplied from an AC power source 256 into direct current power source(3.3 V, for example). This direct current power source is supplied tothe facsimile unit 108, the power source control unit 217, the memory209, the network I/F 210, and others.

The second power source unit 252 converts the alternate current powersource supplied from the AC power source 256 into direct current powersource (12 V or 24 V, for example). This direct current power source issupplied to the printer unit 107, the scanner unit 104, the finisher110, the CPU 208, the HDD 211, and others.

A rocker switch 253 and a relay 254 are provided between the AC powersource 256 and the first power source unit 251. A relay 255 is providedbetween the AC power source 256 and the second power source unit 252.The rocker switch 253 is turned on or turned off in accordance withoperation of a user. The condition of the rocker switch 253 (OFFcondition or ON condition) is notified to the power source control unit217 described below.

The power source control unit 217 detects the condition of the rockerswitch 253 (ON condition or OFF condition). In addition, the powersource control unit 217 switches on-off of the relay 254 and the relay255.

The power source control unit 217 turns on both the relay 254 and therelay 255. As a result, power is supplied from the first power sourceunit 251 and the second power source unit 252 to the respective unitssuch as the printer unit 107, the scanner unit 104, and the finisher110. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 103 comes into a standbycondition.

On the other hand, the power source control unit 217 turns on the relay254 and turns off the relay 255. As a result, power supply from thesecond power source unit 252 to the printer unit 107, the scanner unit104 and others stops. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 103 comesinto a power saving condition 604. In the power saving condition 604,power is supplied only to the limited parts such as the power sourcecontrol unit 217, the memory 209, and the network I/F 210, and is notsupplied to the other parts.

<Block Diagram of Network I/F>

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardwarestructure of the network I/Fs 204, 205, and 210. The network I/Fs 204,205, and 210 are network interface devices detachably attached to theimage processing controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 103.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the network I/Fs 204, 205, and 210includes a CPU 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, a network I/F 404, an LED 405,an extended I/F 406, and a system bus 407 connecting these components.The CPU 401 performs various types of controls under a control programstored in the ROM 403.

In case of the network I/F 204, the CPU 401 connects with the LAN 113via the network I/F 404, and further communicates with the clientcomputer 101 located on the LAN 113 by way of the LAN 113 in accordancewith a predetermined communication protocol, for example. This structureallows the CPU 401 to receive various types of data including printingdata and printing control commands transmitted from the client computer101 and transfer the data to the image processing controller 102 via theextended I/F 406, and thereby allows the image processing controller 102to perform image processing, for example.

The RAM 402 functions as a temporary memory area such as a main memoryand a work area of the CPU 401. The LED 405 functions as an indicationunit indicating the operation condition of the network I/F 204, 205, or210. The LED 405 indicates the electric connection condition between thenetwork I/F 404 and the LAN 113, and various operation conditions suchas communication modes using colors and blinking patterns of an LED.

The extended I/F 406 is an I/F for connection between the network I/F204, 205, or 210 and the image processing controller 102 or the imageforming apparatus 103. The extended I/F 406 connects with a PCI(Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or the like.

<Software Structure of Image Processing Controller>

The software structure of the image processing controller 102 is nowdescribed with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the softwarestructure of the image processing controller 102. The respectivefunctions of the software illustrated in FIG. 5 are performed underprograms stored in the memory 202 or the HDD 203 of the image processingcontroller 102 and read and implemented by the CPU 201.

An OS 321 is an OS (operating system) corresponding to an operatingsystem of the image processing controller 102. A print serverapplication 301 is application software operated on the OS 321 andimplemented by the CPU 201. The print server application 301 includes acomposition editing unit 311, a Job control unit 312, and an RIPprocessing unit 313, and performs various processing including imageprocessing.

The composition editing unit 311 is an editing unit which performs acomposition editing process for editing image data on each page into abookbinding composition format in accordance with instructions from theclient computer 101. The Job control unit 312 is a control unit whichcontrols printing Job in accordance with instructions from the clientcomputer 101. More specifically, the Job control unit 312 receivesprinting data from the client computer 101, issues instructionsassociated with the printing data, and controls the printing order ofthe printing Job. The RIP processing unit 313 is a processing unit whichconverts PDL (Page Description Language) into a printable raster imageat the time of composition by the composition editing unit 311 or at thetime of actual practice of image forming processing by the Job controlunit 312.

<Power Condition Transition of Image Processing Controller and ImageForming Apparatus>

FIG. 6 illustrates a transition of the power conditions of the imageprocessing controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 103.

The power condition of each of the image processing controller 102 andthe image forming apparatus 103 according to this embodiment lies in anyone of a power source OFF condition 601, a standby condition (firstpower condition) 602, a job practice condition 603, and the power savingcondition (second power condition) 604. While the four conditions areassumed in this embodiment, the power conditions according to theinvention are not limited to these conditions. Each of the imageprocessing controller 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 may lie inother power conditions.

For example, the image processing controller 102 may be in a suspensioncondition or a hibernation condition. The suspension condition is acondition where the image processing controller 102 can be restored tothe standby condition 602 at a high speed. In the suspension condition,the memory 202 is kept turned on, wherefore the image processingcontroller 102 starts and shifts to the standby condition 602 from thecondition stored in the memory 202 as the condition of the imageprocessing controller 102.

Similarly, the hibernation condition is a condition where the imageprocessing controller 102 can be restored to the standby condition at ahigh speed. In the hibernation condition, the power condition is similarto the power source OFF condition 601, and power supply to therespective parts of the image processing controller 102 stops. However,the different point from the power source OFF condition 601 is that thecondition of the image processing controller 102 is stored in the HDD203 before shift to the hibernation condition. Restoration of the imageprocessing controller 102 from the hibernation condition to the standbycondition is carried out at a high speed based on the information storedin the HDD 203.

The order of the high power consumption of the power condition of eachof the image processing controller 102 and the image forming apparatus103 is: Job practice condition 603>standby condition 602>power savingcondition 604>power source OFF condition 601.

The respective power conditions of the image forming apparatus 103 arenow described.

The power source OFF condition 601 is a condition where the rockerswitch 253 of the image forming apparatus 103 is turned off. In thiscondition, power supply to all the components of the image formingapparatus 103 stops. When the user turns on the rocker switch 253 in thepower source OFF condition 601, the image forming apparatus 103 shiftsto the standby condition 602.

The standby condition 602 is a condition where the image formingapparatus 103 is waiting for execution of a job. In this condition,power is supplied to all the components of the image forming apparatus103. However, power is not required to be supplied to all the componentsof the image forming apparatus 103. In other words, only power supply tothe essential components is needed, and power supply to other components(such as operation unit 105) may be stopped. When receiving a job fromthe client computer 101 via the image processing controller 102, theimage forming apparatus 103 in the standby condition 602 shifts to thejob practice condition 603. When a factor for shift to power saving isproduced in the standby condition 602, the image forming apparatus 103shifts to the power saving condition 604.

Examples of the factor for shift to power saving include the followingexamples (1) through (3).

(1) The user presses a button (not illustrated) for shift to powersaving.

(2) A predetermined period of time elapses without execution of aprinting job, a scan job or others in the standby condition 602.

(3) A predetermined period of time elapses without access to a remote UIof the image forming apparatus 103 from the client computer 101.

When the user turns off the rocker switch 253 in the standby condition602, the image forming apparatus 103 is shut down and shifts to thepower source OFF condition 601. Shut down in this context is a processfor ending the OS and the applications so as to end the image formingapparatus 103.

The job practice condition 603 is a condition where the image formingapparatus 103 is practicing a job. In this condition, power is suppliedto all the components of the image forming apparatus 103. However, poweris not required to be supplied to all the components of the imageforming apparatus 103 in the job practice condition 603. In other words,only power supply to the essential components is needed, and powersupply to other components (such as operation unit 105) may be stopped.In addition, power supply to units not used for practicing thecorresponding job may be stopped. More specifically, at the time ofpracticing a printing job for forming an image on a sheet, power supplyto the operation unit 105, the scanner unit 104, and others not used forpracticing the printing job may be stopped. After the end of the job inthe job practice condition 603, the image forming apparatus 103 shiftsto the standby condition 602.

The power saving condition 604 is a condition where the image formingapparatus 103 is waiting in the state of power saving. In thiscondition, power is supplied to a part (containing the network I/F 210)of the components of the MFP controller 106 in the structure of theimage forming apparatus 103. Under the power saving condition 604, powersupply to the scanner unit 104, the printer unit 107, the operation unit105 and others stops. When receiving a factor for restoration from powersaving in the power saving condition 604, the image forming apparatus103 shifts to the standby condition 602. In addition, the network I/F210 can respond to a simple packet transmitted via the network whileremaining in the power saving condition 604. This function is referredto as a proxy response. Examples of the simple packet include ARPrequest, SNMP condition acquisition, ICMP neighbor discovery, and otherpackets. ARP represents Address Resolution Protocol. SNMP representsSimple Network Management Protocol. ICMP represents Internet ControlMessage Protocol.

Examples of the factor for restoration form power saving include thefollowing examples (1) and (2):

(1) The user presses a button (not illustrated) for restoration frompower saving.

(2) The image forming apparatus 103 receives a job from the clientcomputer 101.

The respective power conditions of the image processing controller 102are now described.

The power source OFF condition 601 is a condition where the OS of theimage processing controller 102 is shut down. When the user turns on anot-illustrated power source switch in the power source OFF condition601, the image processing controller 102 shifts to the standby condition602.

The standby condition 602 is a condition where the image formingapparatus 103 is waiting for execution of a job. In the standbycondition 602, power is supplied to all the components of the imageprocessing controller 102. When receiving a printing job from the clientcomputer 101 in the standby condition 602, the image processingcontroller 102 shifts to the job practice condition 603. When a factorfor shift to power saving is produced in the standby condition 602, theimage processing controller 102 shifts to the power saving condition604.

Examples of the factor for shift to power saving include the followingexamples (1) through (3):

(1) The user instructs shift to the power saving condition.

(2) A predetermined period of time elapses without execution of aprinting job, a scan job or others in the standby condition 602.

(3) A predetermined period of time elapses without access to a jobmanagement tool of the image processing controller 102 from the clientcomputer 101.

The job practice condition 603 is a condition where the image processingcontroller 102 is practicing a job. In this condition, power is suppliedto all the components of the image processing controller 102. After theend of the job in the job practice condition 603, the image processingcontroller 102 shifts to the standby condition 602.

The power saving condition 604 is a condition where the image processingcontroller 102 is waiting in the state of power saving. In thiscondition, power is supplied to the network I/Fs 204 and 205 in thestructure of the image processing controller 102. When receiving afactor for restoration from power saving in the power saving condition604, the image processing controller 102 shifts to the standby condition602.

Examples of the factor for restoration from power saving include thefollowing examples (1) and (2).

(1) The user presses the power source button of the image processingcontroller 102.

(2) The image processing controller 102 receives a magic packet.

The magic packet in this context refers to a network packet speciallycoded for turning on a power source of a device by way of a network.

<Description of Operation Performed by Image Forming Apparatus WhenImage Forming Apparatus Transmits Device Status Information to Outside>

Described hereinafter with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 7 is theoperation of the image forming apparatus 103 performed when the imageforming apparatus 103 transmits device status information to theexternal server 114 in the power saving condition of the imageprocessing controller 102.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imageforming apparatus 103 performed when the image forming apparatus 103transmits the device status information to the external server 114.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 is carried out under a programdeployed in the memory 209 and implemented by the CPU 208. In thisflowchart, the image processing controller 102 is expressed as DFE(Digital Front End). In addition, the power saving condition 604 isexpressed as SLEEP.

The image forming apparatus 103 regularly transmits the device statusinformation to the external server 114. Examples of the device statusinformation include counter information, jam information, tonerinformation, and error information. When the image forming apparatus 103transmits the device status information to the external server 114, theCPU 208 determines whether the image processing controller 102 is in thepower saving condition 604 or not (S701).

When determining that the image processing controller 102 is not in thepower saving condition 604 (No in step S701), the CPU 208 allows thenetwork I/F 210 to transmit the device status information to theexternal server 114 (S706).

On the other hand, when determining that the image processing controller102 is in the power saving condition (Yes in step S701), the CPU 208saves and over-writes the device status information in a determined areaof the HDD 211 (S702). As a result, the latest device status informationis stored in this area.

Then, the CPU 208 determines whether the image processing controller 102has been restored from the power saving condition or not (S703). Whendetermining that the image processing controller 102 has been restoredfrom the power saving condition (Yes in step S703), the CPU 208 allowsthe network I/F 210 to transmit the device status information updated instep S602 to the external server 114 (S706).

On the other hand, when determining that the image processing controller102 has not been restored from the power saving condition (No in stepS703), the CPU 208 shifts the flow to step S704. In step S704, the CPU208 determines whether the elapsed time from the previous transmissionof the device status information to the external server 114 exceeds amaximum transmission time interval (stored in HDD 211, for example).When determining that the elapsed time does not exceed the maximumtransmission time interval (NO in step S704), the CPU 208 repeats thedeterminations in steps S703 and S704.

On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time exceeds themaximum transmission time interval (Yes in step S704), the CPU 208shifts the flow to step S705. In step S705, the CPU 208 transmits amagic packet to the image processing controller 102 via the network I/F210 and the control cable 111 to restore the image processing controller102 from the power saving condition (S705). Then, the CPU 208 allows thenetwork I/F 210 to transmit the device status information updated instep S702 to the external server 114 (S706).

Described herein with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 isthe operation of the image processing controller 102 performed when theimage forming apparatus 103 transmits the device status information tothe external server 114 in the power saving condition of the imageprocessing controller 102.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imageprocessing controller 102 in the power saving condition.

Under the power saving condition of the image processing controller 102,the CPU 401 on the network I/F 205 of the image processing controller102 monitors whether a magic packet addressed to the CPU 401 has beentransmitted or not (S1201). When determining that a magic packetaddressed to the CPU 401 has not been received (No in step S1201), theCPU 401 repeats determination in step S1201.

On the other hand, when determining that a magic packet addressed to theCPU 401 has been received (Yes in step S1201), the CPU 401 suppliespower to the CPU 201 to restore the image processing controller 102 fromthe power saving condition (S1202). The magic packet received by theimage processing controller 102 in this step corresponds to the magicpacket transmitted from the image forming apparatus 103 in step S705 inFIG. 7.

The CPU 201 restored by power supply obtains the memory data immediatelybefore transition to the power saving condition 604 from the HDD 203,loads the obtained data into the memory 202, and restores the imageprocessing controller 102 from the power saving condition 604 to thestandby condition 602 (S1203).

Then, the CPU 201 determines whether the network I/F 205 has receivedthe data or not (S1204). When determining that the network I/F 205 hasnot received the data (No in step S1204), the CPU 201 repeats thedetermination in step S1204.

On the other hand, when determining that the network I/F 205 hasreceived the data (Yes in step S1204), the CPU 201 shifts the flow tostep S1205. The data received in this step corresponds to the devicestatus information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 103 instep S706 in FIG. 7.

In step S1205, the CPU 201 transfers the received data (device statusinformation) to the LAN 113 via the network I/F 204 to transmit thedevice status information to the external server 114.

According to the first embodiment, on the occasion of transmission ofthe device status information to the external server 114, the imageforming apparatus 103 only updates the device status information anddoes not transmit the device status information to the external server114 (regulates (reserves) transmission) when the image processingcontroller 102 is in the power saving condition. When the imageprocessing controller 102 is restored from the power saving condition,the image forming apparatus 103 transmits the device status informationto the external server 114. This structure offers the advantages ofreduction of the number of times of restoration of the image processingcontroller 102 from the power saving condition, and resultant reductionof power consumption. When a predetermined time elapses withtransmission of the device status information kept regulated (reserved),the image processing controller 102 is restored from the power savingcondition, and allowed to transmit the device status informationsubjected to transmission regulation (reservation).

<Description of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus Performed whenImage Forming Apparatus Receives E-Mail>

Described hereinafter with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 8 is theoperation of the image forming apparatus 103 performed when the imageforming apparatus 103 receives an e-mail in the power saving conditionof the image processing controller 102.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the image formingapparatus 103 performed when the image forming apparatus 103 receives ane-mail. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8 is carried out under aprogram deployed in the memory 209 and implemented by the CPU 208. Inthis flowchart, the image processing controller 102 is expressed as DFE(Digital Front End).

The image forming apparatus 103 has an e-mail receiving function. Theimage forming apparatus 103 regularly accesses a not-illustratedexternal e-mail server (POP server) (i.e., transmits an e-mail receptioncommand), and receives an e-mail. The image forming apparatus 103automatically performs printing when receiving an e-mail. This e-mailprinting function receives setting of an e-mail printing time zone. Forexample, when the e-mail printing time zone is set from 9 a.m. to 5p.m., an e-mail received at a time out of the time zone from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. is only received and not printed at that time.

When the image forming apparatus 103 receives an e-mail, the CPU 208determines whether the image processing controller 102 is in the powersaving condition 604 or not (S801). When determining that the imageprocessing controller 102 is not in the power saving condition 604 (Noin step S801), the CPU 208 accesses the POP server (transmits an e-mailreception command thereto) and receives an e-mail (S805).

On the other hand, when determining that the image processing controller102 is in the power saving condition 604 (Yes in step S801), the CPU 208shifts the flow to step S802.

In step S802, the CPU 208 determines whether the image processingcontroller 102 has been restored from the power saving condition 604.When determining that the image processing controller 102 has beenrestored from the power saving condition (Yes in step S802), the CPU 208accesses the POP server (transmits an e-mail reception command thereto),and receives an e-mail (S805).

On the other hand, when determining that the image processing controller102 has not been restored from the power saving condition (No in stepS802), the CPU 208 determines whether the current time falls within thee-mail printing time zone (S803). When determining that the current timedoes not lie in the e-mail printing time zone (No in step S803), the CPU208 repeats the determinations in steps S802 and S803.

On the other hand, when determining that the current time falls withinthe e-mail printing time zone (Yes in step S803), the CPU 208 shifts theflow to step S804. In step S804, the CPU 208 transmits a magic packet tothe image processing controller 102 via the network I/F 210 and thecontrol cable 111 to restore the image processing controller 102 fromthe power saving condition. Then, the CPU 208 accesses the POP server(transmits an e-mail reception command thereto) and receives an e-mail(S805).

The operation of the image processing controller 102 performed when theimage forming apparatus 103 receives an e-mail in the power savingcondition of the image processing controller 102 is similar to thecorresponding operation described in the first embodiment with referenceto FIG. 12. However, the image processing controller 102 receives ane-mail reception command (S1204) after restoration from the power savingcondition (S1202, S1203), and transfers the received e-mail receptioncommand to the LAN 113 (S1205).

According to the second embodiment, on the occasion of reception of ane-mail by the image forming apparatus 103, the image forming apparatus103 does not receive the e-mail (regulates (reserves) transmission ofe-mail reception command to e-mail server) when the image processingcontroller 102 is in the power saving condition. When the imageprocessing controller 102 is restored from the power saving condition,or when the current time falls within the e-mail printing time zone, theimage forming apparatus 103 receives the e-mail. This structure offersthe advantages of reduction of the number of times of restoration of theimage processing controller 102 from the power saving condition forreception of an e-mail in the period out of the e-mail printing timezone, and resultant reduction of power consumption.

According to this embodiment, the image processing controller 102 isallowed to be restored from the power saving condition and receive ane-mail when the current time falls within the printing time zone.However, in addition to this structure, the image processing controller102 may be also allowed to be restored from the power saving conditionand receive an e-mail when the counted number of times of continuousfailure of access to the POP server exceeds a predetermined number (suchas ten times). The predetermined number of times of continuous failureof access to the POP server in this context corresponds to apredetermined number of times of continuous regulation (reservation) ofe-mail reception command transmission by the CPU 208.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the image processing controller 102in the second embodiment may be configured to be restored from the powersaving condition and transmit an e-mail reception command after anelapse of the maximum transmission time interval from the time of theprevious transmission of the e-mail reception command.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the image processing controller 102in the first embodiment may be configured to be restored from the powersaving condition and transmit the device status information when thecurrent time falls within a predetermined time zone set beforehand.

<Description of Operation of Image Forming Apparatus Performed WhenImage Forming Apparatus Transmits Scan Data>

Described hereinafter with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 9 is theoperation of the image forming apparatus 103 performed when the imageforming apparatus 103 transmits scan data in the power saving conditionof the image processing controller 102.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the imageforming apparatus 103 performed when the image forming apparatus 103transmits scan data. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 is executedunder a program deployed in the memory 209 and implemented by the CPU208. In this flowchart, the image processing controller 102 is expressedas DFE (Digital Front End).

The image forming apparatus 103 has the SEND function which transmitsscan data to the external client PC 101 and server 114. Examples of thedesignation method of the transmission destination include designationusing a mail address contained in an address book where the userregisters transmission destinations beforehand, designation by directinput of a mail address, designation by a registered file server,designation by a file server connected with a network and searchedthereon.

According to the image forming apparatus 103, the setting of the SENDoperation performed in the power saving condition of the imageprocessing controller 102 can be determined beforehand.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a maximum transmission job holdingperiod setting window for determining the setting of the SEND operationperformed in the power saving condition of the image processingcontroller 102.

A setting window 1001 is displayed on the operation unit 105 to allow anadministrator of the image forming system 100 to determine the settingof the SEND operation using the setting window 1001.

A button 1002 is a button for selecting an option that the maximumtransmission job holding period is set. The maximum transmission jobholding period in this context refers to the maximum holding period fromthe scan time of scan data to the transmission time of the data. Whenthe button 1002 is selected, a desired maximum transmission job holdingperiod is allowed to be inputted to a blank 1005. According to theexample illustrated in FIG. 10, the maximum transmission holding periodis set to 3 hours.

A button 1003 is a button for selecting an option that the maximumtransmission job holding period is not set. The button 1003 is selectedwhen immediate transmission of scan data is desired for everytransmission. When an OK button 1004 is pressed, the CPU 208 stores theresult of the setting in the HDD 211 of the MFP controller 106, forexample.

At the start of the SEND function by the image forming apparatus 103under the power saving condition of the image processing controller 102,the CPU 208 changes the display of the operation unit 105 to a scan datatransmission destination setting window (not illustrated) and receivesthe designation of the transmission destination from the user (S901).

When the designation of the transmission destination is inputted fromthe user, the CPU 208 determines the transmission destination inputtedby the user (S902, S903, S904).

When determining that the transmission destination inputted by the usercorresponds to the client PC 101 or the server 114 located on thenetwork and referred to and searched for by the operation unit 105 (Noin step S902, No in step S903, and Yes in step S904), the CPU 208 shiftsthe flow to step S905.

In step S905, the CPU 208 transmits a magic packet to the imageprocessing controller 102 via the network I/F 210 and the control cable111 to restore the image processing controller 102 from the power savingcondition. Then, the CPU 208 actuates the scanner unit 104 and generatesscan image data (S906). The CPU 208 transmits the scan image data to thedesignated transmission destination (S907).

When determining that the transmission destination inputted by the usercorresponds to a mail address set in an address book or othersbeforehand, or a registered file server (Yes in step S902), the CPU 208shifts the flow to step S908. When determining that the transmissiondestination inputted by the user corresponds to a mail address or a fileserver directly inputted (Yes in step S903), the CPU 208 shifts the flowto step S908.

In step S908, the CPU 208 actuates he scanner unit 104 and generatesscan image data. The CPU 208 further stores the scan image datagenerated in step S908 in a transmission job holding area of the HDD 211(S909).

Then, the CPU 208 determines whether the image processing controller 102has been restored from the power saving condition (S910). Whendetermining that the image processing controller 102 has been restoredfrom the power saving condition (Yes in step S910), the CPU 208transmits the scan image data to the designated transmission destination(S907).

On the other hand, when determining that the image processing controller102 has not been restored from the power saving condition (No in stepS910), the CPU 208 shifts the flow to step S911. In step S911, the CPU208 determines whether the elapsed time from execution of scan in stepS908 exceeds the maximum transmission job holding period set beforehand.When determining that the elapsed time from execution of scan does notexceed the maximum transmission job holding time (No in step S911), theCPU 208 repeats the determinations in steps S910 and S911.

On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time from executionof scan exceeds the maximum transmission job holding time (Yes in stepS911), the CPU shifts the flow to step S912. In step S912, the CPU 208transmits a magic packet to the image processing controller 102 via thenetwork I/F 210 and the control cable 111 to restore the imageprocessing controller 102 from the power saving condition. Then, the CPU208 transmits the scan image data to the designated transmissiondestination (S907).

In the job storing process in step S909, a transmission confirmationwindow 1101 may be displayed on the operation unit 105 as illustrated inFIG. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the transmission confirmation window1101 for determining the setting of the SEND operation performed in thepower saving condition of the image processing controller 102.

After storing the scan data in the HDD 211, the CPU 208 allows the SENDjob transmission confirmation window 1101 to be displayed on theoperation unit 105. This display of the transmission confirmation window1101 contains within the message a time 1103 after an elapse of themaximum transmission job holding period (set by the button 1002 in FIG.10) from the time of scan. In other words, the time displayed as thetime 1103 corresponds to the time when the scan data held withouttransmission is to be transmitted at the latest.

Accordingly, the message containing the time 1103 notifies the userabout the time when the scan data is to be transmitted at the latest.Moreover, this time is printed as the scheduled transmission time underthe control of the CPU 208 on the occasion of status printing performedwhen obtaining information about the job from the operation unit 105 ofthe image forming apparatus 103.

When immediate transmission of scan data is desired, the user presses a“transmit immediately” button 1102. When the “transmit immediately”button 1102 is pressed, the CPU 208 transmits a magic packet to theimage processing controller 102 via the network I/F 210 and the controlcable 111 to restore the image processing controller 102 from the powersaving condition. Then, the CPU 208 transmits the scan image data to thedesignated transmission destination. On the other hand, when an OKbutton 1104 is pressed, the CPU 208 holds the scan image data withouttransmission, and allows the data to be transmitted only at the timecorresponding to the time 1103.

When storage of the scan job in the scan job storage area of the HDD 211is not allowed due to an insufficient capacity or for other reasons atthe time of storage of the scan job in step S909, the scan data may betransmitted immediately. In this case, the CPU 208 immediately transmitsa magic packet to the image processing controller 102 via the networkI/F 210 and the control cable 111 to restore the image processingcontroller 102 from the power saving condition. Then, the CPU 208transmits the scan image data to the designated transmissiondestination.

The operation of the image processing controller 102 performed when theimage forming apparatus 103 transmits scan data in the power savingcondition of the image processing controller 102 is similar to thecorresponding operation in the first embodiment. However, the imageprocessing controller 102 receives scan data (S1204) after restorationfrom the power saving condition (S1202, S1203), and transfers thereceived scan data to the LAN 113 (S1205).

According to the third embodiment, on the occasion of transmission ofscan data from the image forming apparatus 103, the image formingapparatus 103 does not transmit the scan data immediately but holds thescan data (regulates (reserves) transmission) in the HDD 211 of theimage forming apparatus 103 when the image processing controller 102 isin the power saving condition. After the image processing controller 102is restored from the power saving condition, or after the period setbeforehand elapses from the time of scan, the CPU 208 transmits the scandata. This structure offers advantages of reduction of the number oftimes of restoration of the image processing controller 102 from thepower saving condition for scan data transmission, and resultantreduction of power consumption.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the image processing controller 102in the third embodiment may be configured to be restored from the powersaving condition and transmit scan data when the current time fallswithin a predetermined time zone.

As described above, the image processing controller 102 can bemaintained in the power saving condition for the longest possible timewhen immediate data transmission is not needed from the image formingapparatus 103 to the outside. This advantage contributes to energysaving by reduction of the number of times of restoration of the imageprocessing controller 102 from the power saving condition, whichcontroller 102 functions as a relay for data transmission from the imageforming apparatus 103.

The respective data structures and contents discussed herein have beenpresented by way of example only. Obviously, these structures andcontents may be constituted by other various types of structures andcontents in accordance with the purpose of use and the object.

While particular embodiments have been described herein, the presentinvention may be practiced in various forms including a system, adevice, a method, a program, a memory medium and so forth. Morespecifically, the invention is applicable to a system constituted by aplurality of devices, or may be an apparatus constituted by a singledevice.

In addition, structures constituted by combinations of the respectiveembodiments are all included in the scope of the invention.

The invention may be practiced by the following processes. Software(program) under which the functions of the respective embodimentsdescribed herein are performed is supplied to a system or an apparatusvia a network or using various types of memory media. The program isread and implemented by a computer (or a CPU, an MPU or the like) of thesystem or the apparatus.

The invention is applicable to a system constituted by a plurality ofdevices, or an apparatus constituted by a single device.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.Various modifications (including organic combinations of theembodiments) may be made to the respective embodiments, and thesemodifications and changes should not be excluded from the scope of theinvention. In other words, structures constituted by combinations of therespective embodiments and modified examples thereof are all included inthe scope of the invention.

According to the present invention, energy saving is achieved byreduction of the number of times of restoration of an image processingcontroller from a power saving condition, which controller functions asa relay for data transmission from an image forming apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiment(s) of the present invention, andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more ofa central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or othercircuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separatecomputer processors. The computer executable instructions may beprovided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storagemedium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of ahard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), astorage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2013-184255, filed Sep. 5, 2013, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus capable of receiving araster image from an image processing controller which generates theraster image, the image forming apparatus comprising: a transmittingunit configured to transmit device information of the image formingapparatus to an external device via the image processing controller; adetermining unit configured to determine whether the image processingcontroller is in a first power condition or in a second power conditionwhich consumes lower power than the first power condition; and a controlunit configured to allow the transmitting unit to transmit the deviceinformation to the external device in a case where the determining unitdetermines that the image processing controller is in the first powercondition, and configured to restrict the transmitting unit to transmitthe device information to the external device until the image processingcontroller returns to the first power condition from the second powercondition in a case where the determining unit determines that the imageprocessing controller is in the second power condition.
 2. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where thedetermining unit determines that the image processing controller is inthe second power condition, the control unit restores the imageprocessing controller to the first power condition and then allows thetransmitting unit to transmit the device information to the externaldevice when the image processing controller is still in the second powercondition after an elapse of the predetermined period.
 3. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a displayunit configured to display a window for setting the predeterminedperiod.
 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thetransmitting unit transmits a particular packet to the image processingcontroller so as to restore the image processing controller to the firstpower condition.
 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the device information is data regularly transmitted by thetransmitting unit.
 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the device information is at least one of counter information,jam information, toner information, and error information.
 7. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a receivingunit configured to receive instructions for allowing the transmittingunit to transmit the device information under regulation of transmissionby the control unit, wherein the transmitting unit is allowed totransmit the device information to the external device after the imageprocessing controller is restored to the first power condition on theoccasion of reception of the instructions by the receiving unit.
 8. Acontrol method for an image forming apparatus capable of receiving araster image from an image processing controller which generates theraster image, the method comprising: determining whether the imageprocessing controller is in a first power condition or in a second powercondition which consumes lower power than the first power condition; ina case where the determination unit determines that the image processingcontroller is in the first power condition, transmitting deviceinformation of the image forming apparatus to an external device; and ina case where the determination unit determines that the image processingcontroller is in the second power condition, restricting transmission ofthe device information to the external device until the image processingcontroller returns to the first power condition.
 9. A computerrecordable medium comprising a program of a computer included in animage forming apparatus capable of receiving a raster image from animage processing controller which generates the raster image, theprogram when executed by the computer performing the functions of: atransmitting unit configured to transmit device information of the imageforming apparatus to an external device via the image processingcontroller; a determining unit configured to determine whether the imageprocessing controller is in a first power condition or in a second powercondition which consumes lower power than the first power condition; anda control unit configured to allow the transmitting unit to transmit thedevice information to the external device in a case where thedetermining unit determines that the image processing controller is inthe first power condition, and configured to restrict the transmittingunit to transmit the device information to the external device until theimage processing controller returns to the first power condition fromthe second power condition in a case where the determining unitdetermines that the image processing controller is in the second powercondition.